System and method of attaching and detaching a loader attachment implement

ABSTRACT

A manual locking subassembly for a loader system of a utility vehicle includes an actuator manually operable from an operator cab of the vehicle and a mechanical linkage extending from the actuator and affixed to a loader attachment carrier rotatable about an axis. Manipulation of the actuator in a first direction moves a linkage member of the mechanical linkage from a first position in which a loader attachment implement is uniformly movable with the attachment carrier to a second position in which the loader attachment implement is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachment carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/234,607, filed Sep. 29, 2015, the content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism that selectivelylocks a loader attachment implement to a loader system.

SUMMARY

A utility vehicle, e.g., a tractor, is often configured for selectiveattachment to a number of hydraulically actuated loader attachmentimplements. These independent loader attachment implements may take theform of, for example, a bucket, a hay bale fork, a grapple, a blade, orthe like in order to perform a specific task desired by the operator ofthe utility vehicle. As part of the attachment/detachment process, alocking mechanism is manipulated by the operator to secure or unsecurethe loader attachment implement to the tractor.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a loader system for a utilityvehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab configured to seat anoperator for control of the utility vehicle. The loader system includesa loader attachment implement and a loader attachment carrier toselectively couple the loader attachment implement to the utilityvehicle. The loader system also includes a locking subassembly having anactuator positioned adjacent the cab and manually operable from the caband a pin portion adjacent the loader attachment implement and movablein a first direction in response to actuation of the actuator between alocked position and an unlocked position. When the pin portion is in alocked position, the loader attachment implement uniformly moves withthe loader attachment carrier, and when the pin portion is in anunlocked position, the loader attachment implement is non-uniformlymovable with the loader attachment carrier.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a manual locking subassemblyfor a loader system of a utility vehicle includes an actuator manuallyoperable from an operator cab of the vehicle and a mechanical linkageextending from the actuator and affixed to a loader attachment carrierrotatable about an axis. Manipulation of the actuator in a firstdirection moves a linkage member of the mechanical linkage from a firstposition in which a loader attachment implement is uniformly movablewith the attachment carrier to a second position in which the loaderattachment implement is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachmentcarrier.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle coupled to a loaderattachment implement in the form of a bucket according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the loader system of FIG. 1 including a lockingmechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 2 in an unlocked position.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3 illustrating a pinportion of the locking mechanism disengaged from the loader attachmentimplement.

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating an actuatorportion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 in a first position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the actuatorportion of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2 in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 3 in a locked position.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 7 illustrating the pinportion of the locking mechanism engaged with the loader attachmentimplement.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the lockingmechanism of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a loader system including a lockingmechanism selectively coupled to a loader attachment implement in theform of a bucket according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 10 in an unlocked position.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 11 illustrating a pinportion of the locking mechanism disengaged from the loader attachmentimplement.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator portion of thelocking mechanism of FIG. 10 in a first position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the actuator portion of thelocking mechanism of FIG. 10 in a second position.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the locking mechanism exteriorlyrouted to a loader boom of the loader system of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the portion of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 11 in a locked position.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 15 illustrating the pinportion of the locking mechanism engaged with the loader attachmentimplement.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the lockingmechanism of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the followingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments andof being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 illustrates a utility vehicle 10 with a loader system 14. Theutility vehicle 10 is illustrated as a tractor; however, the utilityvehicle 10 may be, for example, a skid steer, a riding lawn mower, orother utility vehicle. A prime mover 18 supplies torque through atransmission 22 to at least one of a plurality of wheels 26 to move theutility vehicle 10. Two of the wheels 26 may be powered by the primemover 18 or all four wheels 26 may be powered by the prime mover 18. Inother embodiments, the utility vehicle 10 may include more than fourwheels with the prime mover 18 supplying torque to some or all of thewheels. In further embodiments, the wheels 26 may be replaced ormodified with a continuous track. The prime mover 18 may include anypower source to provide rotational driveline power, for example, aninternal combustion engine, a hydraulic motor, a hydrostatic system, anelectric motor, etc.

A cab area 30 provides an operator control of the utility vehicle 10.The illustrated cab 30 includes a chair 34, a steering wheel 38, and aplurality of controls. The operator is generally positioned in the chair34 while steering the utility vehicle 10 via the steering wheel 38 andoperating the plurality of controls. In other embodiments, the steeringwheel 38 may comprise a plurality of levers to control the direction ofmovement of the utility vehicle 10 through the prime mover 18 and/or thetransmission 22. The plurality of controls are also coupled to othercomponents on the utility vehicle 10, e.g., a hydraulic system, anauxiliary drive shaft, etc. and may be in the form of electricalswitches, mechanical actuators, or a combination thereof.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the loader system 14 is operable bythe utility vehicle 10 and includes fixed frame members 42, detachableframe members 46, a loader boom 50, loader attachment carriers 54, and aloader attachment implement 58.

The fixed frame members 42 are each attached to a side of the utilityvehicle 10 and in some embodiments may be a single integral componentextending between both sides of the utility vehicle 10.

The illustrated frame members 46 are each selectively attachable to arespective fixed frame member 42. An actuator, e.g., a lever (notshown), may provide a locking mechanism between the detachable framemembers 46 and the fixed frame members 42. The loader system 14 istherefore connected to the utility vehicle 10 by the connection betweenthe frame members 42, 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the framemembers 42, 46 are located between the wheels 26, e.g., front and backwheels and adjacent the cab 30. In particular, the operator positionedin the chair 34 of the cab 30 can, during vehicle operation, contact aportion of the detachable frame members 46, as will be described indetail below. In other embodiments, the frame members 42, 46 may be oneintegral member fixedly attached to the utility vehicle 10.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the loader boom 50 is attached tothe detachable frame members 46 about a first pivot axis 62. Theillustrated loader boom 50 is operable to move about the first pivotaxis 62 by boom hydraulic cylinders 66, which are attached between thedetachable frame members 46 and the loader boom 50. The illustratedloader boom 50 defines two arms 70 each associated with a respectivedetachable frame member 46 on each side of the vehicle 10 with a supportmember 74 connecting the arms 70.

The attachment carriers 54 are secured to an associated arm 70 about asecond pivot axis 78. Additionally, carrier hydraulic cylinders 82extend from each arm 70 to a respective attachment carrier 54 and areoperable by the hydraulic system of the utility vehicle 10 to rotate theattachment carriers 54 about the second pivot axis 78.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a lateral portion 72 of one of theattachment carriers 54 defines an opening 90 and forms a housing 94surrounding the opening 90. The illustrated housing 94 defines athree-sided member with an upper aperture 98 aligning with an opposinglower aperture 102. The lateral portion 72 of the attachment carrier 54that defines the opening 90 also defines a shield 106 positionedexternally from the housing 94 to protect the housing 94 from damageduring operation of the loader system 14. In other embodiments, bothcarriers 54 may include the opening 90 and the housing 94. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 94 is coupled to the lateral portion72 of the attachment carrier 54 and the shield 106 via a weldingoperation but may be formed by any suitable method in other embodiments.

The illustrated loader attachment implement 58 is illustrated as abucket. In other embodiments, however, the loader attachment implement58 may be a sweep cleaner, hay bale fork, hay bale hugger, grapple,scraper, pallet fork, debris blower, blade, snow pusher, or the like forperforming a specific task. With reference to FIG. 3, hooks 110 areaffixed to the loader attachment implement 58 and are configured toengage a respective engagement pin 86 of the attachment carrier 54. Inaddition, protrusions 114 extend from a rear face 116 of the loaderattachment implement 58 and are sized to be received within the opening90 of the attachment carrier 54 (FIG. 4). The protrusions 114 include anaperture 118 extending therethrough. The loader attachment implement 58may include only one protrusion 114 that aligns with only one of the twoattachment carriers 54. In other embodiments, a protrusion 114 on eachside of the implement 58 may be employed to mate with an opening 90 ineach attachment carrier 54.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, a locking mechanism 122 attached to theloader system 14 provides operator control to lock or unlock the loaderattachment implement 58 to the attachment carrier 54. In the illustratedembodiment, one locking mechanism 122 is attached to the loader system14; however, in other embodiments, multiple locking mechanisms 122 maybe attached to the loader system 14 on one or both sides of the vehicle10.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the locking mechanism 122includes a mechanical actuator 126 operably attached to one of thedetachable frame members 46. The illustrated actuator 126 is positionedadjacent the cab 30 to facilitate operator usage from the cab 30. Inparticular, the actuator 126 is illustrated as a knob that engages athreaded fitting 124 of the detachable frame member 46. A biasing member130 (FIG. 6) is coupled between the actuator 126 and the threadedfitting 124 to bias the actuator 126 towards the detachable frame member46. The biasing member 130 as illustrated is a compression coil spring;however, in other embodiments, the biasing member 130 may be an elasticmember, e.g., a sheath, a bushing, etc.

The actuator 126 is positionable in a locked position (FIG. 5) or anunlocked position (FIG. 6). The actuator 126 is rotatable in a firstrotational direction 128, e.g., counterclockwise, to unlock the actuator126 from the threaded fitting 124 to move the actuator 126 in a firstaxial direction 132 away from the detachable frame member 46. Theactuator 126 is also movable in a second axial direction 136 andthereafter rotatable in a second rotational direction 141, e.g.,clockwise, to lock the actuator 126 to the threaded fitting 124 andeliminate inadvertent axial movement of the actuator 126. In otherembodiments, the actuator 126 may be in the form of a pivoting lever orT-handle mechanism.

The actuator 126 is attached to a mechanical linkage 134 in the form ofa flexible sheathed cable assembly. The sheathed cable 134 is exteriorlyrouted along one of the arms 70 of the loader boom 50 (FIG. 2) and issecured to the attachment carrier 54 by a fitting 138 fixed within theupper aperture 98 (FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the sheathed cable 134may be routed interiorly within one of the arms 70. The sheathed cable134 is similar to a Bowden cable in that it comprises an inner cablebody 140 within a sheath 144, with the inner cable 140 slidable relativeto the sheath 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cable 140 isan integral member continuous along the length of the sheathed cable 134and is formed with or otherwise includes a pin portion 142 at leastpartially receivable within the fitting 138 (FIG. 4). Movement of thepin portion 142 is dependent upon movement of the actuator 126. In otherembodiments, the pin portion 142 may be a separate portion of the innercable 140 and more rigid than the inner cable 140 to inhibit shearing ofthe pin portion 142. The pin portion 142 is biased to extend from thefitting 138 by virtue of the interaction between the biasing member 130and the actuator 126, but in further embodiments the previouslydescribed biasing member 130 may be alternatively located between thefitting 138 and the pin portion 142 to bias the pin portion 142 out ofthe fitting 138.

With reference to FIG. 9, one method 146 of connecting and/ordisconnecting the loader attachment implement 58 from the attachmentcarrier 54 without the operator leaving the cab 30 is illustrated. Thelocking mechanism 122 is manually operable by the operator withoututilizing additional power sources (e.g., hydraulics, motors, etc.).With a first attachment implement 58 operably coupled to the carrier 54(FIG. 8), in step 150 the actuator 126 is rotated in the firstrotational direction 128 (FIG. 5) for disengagement with the threadedfitting 124. The operator moves the actuator 126 (step 154) in the firstaxial direction 132 (FIG. 6). As a result, the actuator 126 acts againstthe biasing force of the biasing member 130 and moves the inner cable140 within the sheath 144 such that the pin portion 142 clears theaperture 118 into the unlocked position (FIGS. 3 and 4). In otherembodiments, the actuator 126 may be maintained in the extended positionof FIG. 6, which allows the pin portion 142 to temporarily remain in theunlocked position without the operator's input.

Once unlocked, the first attachment implement 58 can be disconnectedfrom the attachment carrier 54. The operator positions the firstattachment implement 58 on the ground and then manipulates theattachment carrier 54 about the second pivot axis 78 to disengage theprotrusion 114 from the opening 90. Thereafter, the attachment carrier54 is rotatable relative to the first attachment implement 58 viaengagement between the engagement pins 86 and the hooks 110 about athird pivot axis 152. The operator manipulates the loader boom 50 aboutthe first axis 62 to detach the engagement pins 86 from the hooks 110.

To attach a second attachment implement 58, the operator aligns theengagement pins 86 with the hooks 110 of the second implement 58 by atleast one of steering the utility vehicle 10 via the steering wheel 38,actuating the boom hydraulic cylinders 66 to rotate the loader boom 50about the first pivot axis 62, and actuating the carrier hydrauliccylinders 82 to rotate the attachment carrier 54 about the second pivotaxis 78. Once the pins 86 are coupled to the hooks 110, the secondloader attachment implement 58 is rotatable relative to the attachmentcarrier 54 about the engagement pins 86. The operator then manipulatesthe attachment carrier 54 about the second pivot axis 78 such that theopenings 90 rotate over the protrusions 114. In this position, theaperture 118 aligns with the pin portion 142 and the lower aperture 102of the housing 94.

If no attachment implement 58 is to be first disconnected, step 158 maybe performed in stages with steps 150, 154 between the stages. Forexample, the engagement pins 86 may first engage the hooks 110, steps150, 154 may be performed, and then the protrusions 114 may be receivedwithin the openings 90.

The locking mechanism 122 is then operable to lock the second loaderattachment implement 58 to the attachment carrier 54 for uniformco-rotational movement, e.g., an amount of rotational movement of theattachment carriers 54 is directly transferred to the second loaderattachment implement 58. The operator releases the actuator 126 (step162), which returns in the second axial direction 136 toward thethreaded fitting 124 in response to the biasing member 130 (FIG. 6) andslides the inner cable 140 through the sheath 144. The pin portion 142in response translates away from the fitting 138 and extends through theaperture 118 and at least through a portion of the lower aperture 102(FIG. 8). Step 166 includes rotating the actuator 126 in the secondrotational direction 141 to lock the actuator 126 to the threadedfitting 124 and thus maintain the pin portion 142 in a locked position.In other embodiments, the actuator 126 is not rotated, but otherwiseactuated to a locked position.

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate a loader system 214 according to anotherembodiment. The loader system 214 is similar to the loader system 14;therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers,plus 200. Only differences between the loader systems 14, 214 will bediscussed in detail. In addition, components or features described withrespect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein areequally applicable to any other embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIG. 10, the loader system 214 includes fixed framemembers 242, detachable frame members 246, a loader boom 250, loaderattachment carriers 254, and a loader attachment implement 258.Actuators 374, e.g., in the form of levers, may provide a lockingmechanism between the detachable frame members 246 and the fixed framemembers 242.

The loader boom 250 is attached to the detachable frame members 246 andis movable about a first pivot axis 262 by boom hydraulic cylinders 266.The illustrated loader boom 250 defines two arms 270 each associatedwith a respective detachable frame member 246, with a support member 274connecting the arms 270. The attachment carriers 254 are secured to anassociated arm 270 and are movable about a second pivot axis 278 bycarrier hydraulic cylinders 282.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, hooks 310 are affixed to the loaderattachment implement 258 and are configured to engage a respectiveengagement portion 286 of the attachment carrier 254. Both attachmentcarriers 254 further define a lateral portion 272 having an opening 290(only one attachment carrier 254 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). Thelateral portion 272 of the attachment carrier 254 that defines theopening 290 also presents a shield 306.

Protrusions 314 extend from a rear face 316 of the loader attachmentimplement 258 and include a first (e.g., generally vertically oriented)aperture 318 a and a second (e.g., generally horizontally oriented)aperture 318 b transverse to aperture 318 a. Each protrusion 314 isassociated with a single attachment carrier 254. In one embodiment, theloader attachment implement 258 may only include one protrusion 314associated with a single attachment carrier 254. In another embodiment,the (or each) protrusion 314 may only include one vertical (similar tothe protrusion 114) or one horizontal aperture. In further embodiments,the protrusion 314 may include an aperture 318 oriented at an obliqueangle relative to the illustrated apertures 318 a, 318 b. With referenceback to the previous embodiment (FIGS. 1-9), for example, the pinportion 142 could be received within the vertical aperture 318 a.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a locking mechanism 322 is attachedto the loader system 214. The locking mechanism 322 includes amechanical actuator 326 operably attached to one of the detachable framemembers 246. The illustrated actuator 326 is positioned adjacent the cab30 to facilitate operator usage from the cab 30. In particular, theactuator 326 includes a notch 378 located between an end portion 382 anda handle portion 386. The end portion 382 and the notch 326 selectivelyengage a bracket 390 affixed to the detachable frame member 246. Inother embodiments, other actuator mechanisms may be utilized, forexample, the locking mechanism may include an electrical button orswitch adjacent the cab 30, or the actuator 326 may be a lever.

The actuator 326 is positionable in a locked position (FIG. 13) with thenotch 378 contacting the bracket 390 or an unlocked position (FIG. 14)with the end portion 382 contacting or positioned adjacent the bracket390. The actuator 326 is translatable in a first axial direction 332away from the bracket 390 to permit rotation of the actuator 326 in afirst rotational direction 328. The actuator 326 is also rotatable in asecond rotational direction 341 and thereafter movable in a second axialdirection 336. In the embodiments wherein the actuator 326 is a lever,the actuator 326 may not axially move, but rather the lever may pivotparallel to the first pivot axis 262 between a locked position (similarto FIG. 13) and an unlocked position (similar to FIG. 14).

The actuator 326 is coupled to a mechanical linkage 334 in the form of aflexible sheathed cable assembly. In other embodiments, a more rigidlinkage system may be utilized. The sheathed cable 334 is exteriorlyrouted along one of the arms 270 (FIG. 15) and is secured to theattachment carrier 254 by a bracket 338 (FIG. 12). The sheathed cable334 includes an inner cable body or a linkage member 340 within a sheath344 and a pin portion 342. An end portion 392 of the inner cable body340 extending from the sheath 344 adjacent the bracket 338 passesthrough a laterally extending dowel or peg 398 of the pin portion 342and includes a stop 394 that constrains retraction of the end portion392 through the peg 398. A biasing member 330 abuts an inner wall 396 ofthe attachment carrier 254 and is operably coupled with the pin portion342 to bias the pin portion 342 towards the lateral portion 272. In theillustrated embodiment, the biasing member 330 and the pin portion 342are concentric. In other embodiments, the biasing member 330 may insteadabut the bracket 338 and the peg 398 may be omitted such that thebiasing member 330, a portion of the inner cable 340 including the stop394, and the pin portion 342 are concentric, e.g., the stop 394 islocated within the biasing member 330.

With reference to FIG. 17, a method 346 of connecting and/ordisconnecting the loader attachment implement 258 from the attachmentcarrier 254 without the operator leaving the cab 230 is illustrated.With the hooks 310 coupled to the engagement portions 286 and the pinportion 342 received within the aperture 318 b, a first attachmentimplement 258 is operably coupled to the carrier 254 (FIGS. 15 and 16).In step 354, the actuator 326 is moved in the first axial direction 332(FIG. 13) such that the notch 378 is positioned away from the bracket390 and the end portion 382 is positioned adjacent the bracket 390. As aresult, the actuator 326 acts against the biasing force of the biasingmember 330. In particular, the inner cable 340 moves within the sheath344 with the stop 394 interacting with the peg 398 such that the pinportion 342 clears the aperture 318 b into the unlocked position (FIGS.11 and 12). In the illustrated embodiment, the pin portion 342 generallytranslates parallel to the second pivot axis 278. The actuator 326 ismaintained in the extended position of FIG. 14 by rotating the actuator326 in the first rotational direction 328 (step 356) such that the endportion 382 contacts the bracket 390, which allows the pin portion 342to temporarily remain in the unlocked position without the operator'sinput. Once unlocked, the first attachment implement 258 can bedisconnected from the attachment carrier 254, as previously described.

To attach a second attachment implement 258, the operator aligns theengagement portions 286 with the hooks 310 of a second implement 258(step 358). Once the engagement portions 286 are coupled to the hooks310, the second loader attachment implement 258 is rotatable relative tothe attachment carrier 254 about the engagement portions 286. Theoperator then manipulates the attachment carrier 254 about the secondpivot axis 278 such that the openings 290 rotate over the protrusions314. In this position, the aperture 318 b aligns with the pin portion342.

The locking mechanism 322 is then operable to lock the second loaderattachment implement 258 to the attachment carrier 254 for uniformco-rotational movement, e.g., an amount of rotational movement of theattachment carriers 254 is directly transferred to the second loaderattachment implement 258. The operator rotates the actuator 326 (step360) in the second rotational direction 341 to align the notch 378 withthe bracket 390, and then releases the actuator 326 (step 362). Theactuator 326 returns in the second axial direction 336 until the notch378 contacts the bracket 390. The pin portion 342 in response extendsthrough the aperture 318 b under the force of the biasing member 330. Inother embodiments, the locking mechanism 322 may be oriented such thatthe pin portion 342 selectively engages the aperture 318 a.

Alternatively or in combination with the method 346, a locking pin 376,e.g., a wire lock pin, clevis pin, etc., may be received within theaperture 318 a to provide a locking means between the attachmentcarriers 254 and the loader implement 258. In particular, the lockingpin 376 may be associated with both protrusions 314 received through theaperture 318 a. In other embodiments, the locking pin 376 may beutilized with one of protrusions 314 (i.e., the protrusion 314 notassociated with the locking mechanism 322).

In further embodiments, an indicating mechanism can be coupled to thelocking mechanism 322 indicating the unlocked position (FIG. 12) and/orthe locked position (FIG. 17) to the operator. In particular, theindicating mechanism monitors when the pin portion 342 is fully receivedwithin the aperture 318 b providing a locked signal, or when the pinportion 342 is fully disengaged from the aperture 318 b providing anunlocked signal. For example, the indicating mechanism may be anelectrical sensor that monitors a position of the pin portion 342relative to the protrusion 314 or monitors the biasing force of thebiasing member 330, e.g., via a pressure switch. Alternatively, theindicating mechanism can monitor relative contact between the pinportion 342 and the protrusion 314, which completes an electricalcircuit once the pin portion 342 is received within the aperture 318 bor breaks the electrical circuit once the pin portion 342 is displacedfrom the aperture 318 b. The indicating mechanism can be electricallycoupled to an indicator member (e.g., LED display) located within thecab 30.

1. A loader system for a utility vehicle, the utility vehicle includinga cab configured to seat an operator for control of the utility vehicle,the loader system comprising: a loader attachment implement; a loaderattachment carrier to selectively couple the loader attachment implementto the utility vehicle; and a locking subassembly including an actuatorpositioned adjacent the cab, wherein the actuator is manually operablefrom the cab, and a pin portion adjacent the loader attachment implementand movable in a first direction in response to actuation of theactuator between a locked position and an unlocked position; whereinwhen the pin portion is in a locked position, the loader attachmentimplement uniformly moves with the loader attachment carrier, and whenthe pin portion is in an unlocked position, the loader attachmentimplement is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachment carrier.2. The loader system of claim 1, wherein the loader attachment implementincludes a protrusion with a first aperture extending through theprotrusion, the protrusion configured to receive a portion of the pinportion.
 3. The loader system of claim 2, wherein the loader attachmentcarrier includes an opening configured to receive the protrusion of theloader attachment implement.
 4. The loader system of claim 1, whereinthe pin portion is biased into the locked position by a biasing member.5. The loader system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includesa flexible cable assembly coupling the actuator and the pin portion. 6.The loader system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is moveable in asecond direction to maintain the pin portion in the locked position. 7.The loader system of claim 6, wherein the actuator is rotationallymoveable.
 8. The loader system of claim 1, wherein the actuator isaxially movable in the first direction to move the pin portion betweenthe locked and unlocked positions.
 9. The loader system of claim 1,wherein the loader attachment carrier moves the loader attachmentimplement about an axis and the pin portion linearly translates parallelto the axis.
 10. The loader system of claim 9, wherein the pin portionoutwardly extends from the loader attachment carrier.
 11. A manuallocking subassembly for a loader system of a utility vehicle, the manuallocking subassembly comprising: an actuator manually operable from anoperator cab of the vehicle; and a mechanical linkage extending from theactuator and affixed to a loader attachment carrier, the loaderattachment carrier rotatable about an axis, wherein manipulation of theactuator in a first direction moves a linkage member of the mechanicallinkage from a first position in which a loader attachment implement isuniformly movable with the attachment carrier to a second position inwhich the loader attachment implement is non-uniformly movable with theloader attachment carrier.
 12. The loader system of claim 11, whereinthe actuator is biased into the first position by a biasing member. 13.The loader system of claim 12, wherein the biasing member is a coilspring coupled to the loader attachment carrier.
 14. The loader systemof claim 11, wherein the actuator is moveable in a second direction toinhibit movement of the mechanical linkage.
 15. The loader system ofclaim 14, wherein the actuator is rotationally moveable.
 16. The loadersystem of claim 11, wherein the actuator is axially movable in the firstdirection to move the linkage member between the first position and thesecond position.
 17. The loader system of claim 11, wherein the linkagemember is an inner cable, a portion of which, linearly translatesparallel to the axis.
 18. The loader system of claim 11, furthercomprising a pin portion coupled to the linkage member, the pin portionengaging a portion of the loader attachment implement when the linkagemember is in the first position.
 19. The loader system of claim 18,wherein the linkage member and the pin portion linearly translateparallel to the axis.
 20. The loader system of claim 11, wherein themechanical linkage is a flexible sheathed cable assembly and the linkagemember is an inner cable body.